Football
Associated Press 9y

Defending Asian Cup champions Japan knocked out by UAE in shootout

Reigning champions Japan were knocked out of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup by United Arab Emirates after Europe-based stars Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa missed spot kicks in a penalty shootout in Sydney on Friday night.

The UAE won 5-4 on penalties after the scores were level 1-1 after regulation and extra time.

Japan dominated possession and chances in extra time but couldn't find the opening against a stubborn UAE defence.

Substitute Ismail Ahmed took the decisive penalty for UAE after Honda blasted the first spot-kick over the bar and Kagawa's sixth effort hit the post.

UAE had taken a shock lead in the seventh minute when forward Ali Mabkhout scored his fourth goal of the tournament.

Japan had to wait until the 81st minute to equalise. AC Milan star Keisuke Honda provided the assist as substitute Gaku Shibasaki powered a right-footed shot into the back of the net.

UAE, who were Asian Cup finalists on home soil in 1996, will face host nation Australia in Tuesday's semifinal in Newcastle.

Earlier, a shootout was also needed as Iraq beat fierce rivals Iran 7-6 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Canberra.

Three time champions Iran, who played with 10 men from just before half-time, twice equalised in a four-goal extra time period to send the match to a lengthy penalty shootout. That ended when Salam Shakir converted after Iran's Vahid Amiri hit the post.

Both teams missed their first spot kicks before converting 12 in a row before Amiri's blemish.

Iraq captain Younis Mahmoud and Dhurgham Ismael scored in extra time, but Morteza Pouraliganji and a 119th minute goal by Reza Ghoochannejhad leveled the contest.

Earlier, Azmoun Sardar opened the scoring in the first half. That was before the contentious sending off by referee Ben Williams of Iran's Mehrdad Pooladi in the 43rd minute for his second yellow card. Ahmed Yasin equalised for Iraq in the 56th on a hot evening in Australia's capital city.

2007 champions Iraq will play three-time winners South Korea in Monday's semifinal in Sydney. Iran haven't won the Asian Cup since 1976

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